Anne LaBoon's Kindergarten Parent Handbook


I believe that parent-teacher communication is essential for your child's success.
This parent handbook will be in your child's Bear notebook for reference.

    
A
Absences If your child is absent, please remember to send in an excuse note the following day and put it in
the BEAR pouch. You may send a doctor's excuse or written note explaining why your child was absent.
Attendance A successful school experience is the responsibility of the children, the parent and the school. 
Your child's progress, both academically and socially, is influenced to a great extent by daily participation. 
Regular attendance without tardiness is a key.
Alphabet Knowledge-We will learn the letters of the alphabet and the sounds that the letters make in kindergarten. 
At the beginning of the year, I will assess each child's knowledge of the alphabet.
Arrival- Pupils should plan to arrive between 7:30-8:00 AM. Students should not arrive prior
to 7:30 AM since supervision is not available by the school staff. Upon arrival, children gather in
the hallway with supervised teachers. Breakfast is served at 7:30 in the cafeteria.
School begins promptly at 8:00 and afternoon dismissal is at 2:30.
Art Your child will attend art once a week for 35 minutes. We also make many art projects in our classroom.
B
Backpacks To help your child carry messages and information to and from school, you are asked to
provide a backpack (non-rolling) for this purpose. Please have your child share the contents of the backpack
with you daily. Your child’s backpack should be big enough to hold a one-inch notebook.  Backpacks help
your child carry folders, notes, projects, and books to and from school.  Please check your child’s BEAR
book and backpack DAILY. 
Birthdays Birthdays are special occasions for young children. If your child wishes, he/she may bring treats
for the class. We will celebrate during our lunch period.  You are welcome to come eat lunch with your
child on his/her birthday. Please let me know in advance if you are coming to eat lunch with them so I can
notify the lunchroom staff.
Book Orders Every month I will be sending home book order forms for you and your child to look over.
These clubs offer wonderful books at reduced prices – what a great way to build your home library!
Breakfast-Breakfast is served beginning at 7:30 A.M. each morning.  Parents are encouraged to pre-pay
their meals by sending a check or money to the cafeteria.
C
Centers The best way for kindergarten children to learn is through active play. Our classroom is set up in
learning centers. I carefully plan the activities in each center to develop skills and meet the needs of all the
students in the class.
Clothes Please dress your child in comfortable clothing that is appropriate for Kindergarten.  It is a good idea
to label all coats and sweaters. Becoming involved in kindergarten activities often means that the students will
get a little "messy."  Also make sure to wear tennis shoes on the days we go to PE.
Communication- Communication between home and school is very important.  If you feel the need to talk to me,
please call the school at 397-1916, send me a note, or email me.  I will get back with you as soon as I can.
Conferences Parent/Teacher conferences are held throughout the year.  At these conferences, we will be
discussing your child's accomplishments, strengths and overall progress.  At the first grading period, I will
schedule conferences with all of my parents.  Please feel free to schedule additional conferences at any time
throughout the year if the need arises.
Computers We use a variety of age-appropriate programs that reinforce math and prereading/reading skills. 
Our school's mobile lab is brought into our classroom and the students use laptop computers for
Classworks and Riverdeep software programs. Also, we go to the computer lab to use desktop
computers for various software programs.
D
Differentiation Because all children are unique and special, they may be at many different instructional levels.
Since it is my responsibility to take each child from where he or she is to a higher level, students may be learning
concepts different from his/her peers.  With this type of teaching in the classroom, you can be sure that your
child's individual needs will be met.
Discipline My philosophy of discipline is based on the belief that children need affectionate care and firm
guidelines within a flexible structure. To establish good order and help the children learn self-control, the
children will be guided to respect themselves and their companions through specific directions, positive
reinforcement, suggested new activities and responsible actions.  
Dismissal Dismissal time is at 2:30. All children who are car riders are dismissed at the side of the school.
No child is released unless an adult is present to pick him/her up.
E
Emergency Cards-Your child will have an emergency card on file in the Nurse’s clinic and also in my
classroom notebook.  At least two working phone numbers are required in order to contact parents in case
of illness or emergency. Please contact me if your phone number has changed.
Envelopes When sending money (cash or check) to school please put it in a sealed envelope labeled with your
child's name, what the money is for, and my name. I can not accept money unless it is in an envelope. A good idea is to
save bill or junk mail envelopes. This insures all the money gets to school and we know what to do with it.
Email You can contact me at school via my email address annelaboon@pickens.k12.sc.us 
I will get back to you as soon as possible.
F
Field Trips We plan two field trips that are both fun and educational for the children. We often need
parent volunteers on the trips, and chaperones will be chosen on a first come, first serve basis. 
Parents must attend the volunteer training sessions in order to go on field trips.
Fire Drills Fire drills are held periodically throughout the year. All students will participate and are
expected to walk quickly and quietly to their designated exit.  We will practice and become familiar with
procedures before our first scheduled drill.
Footwear Please have your child wear shoes that are appropriate for running and active movement.
Fund Raisers-Our school participates in several fund raisers throughout the year to raise money for various things
for our school.  We hope that everyone can participate, but it is not required.
G
Guided Reading The definition of guided reading encompasses a wide variety of behaviors. For example, some
children may be working on alphabet recognition; some may require teacher support to read stories with
predictable text, while others may read simple texts independently. Guided reading provides an opportunity to
teach children the variety of reading strategies they need in order to become fluent, independent readers.
During guided reading, the teacher monitors and evaluates each child's progress.
H
Handwriting-We use Zaner-Bloser handwriting in our kindergarten. We also have a writing center in our classroom.
In the BEAR book, there is a handwriting sheet that has the correct formation of letters.
Hands-on Learning I feel that the best way to help children learn is to make learning fun. Important concepts
can be learned by doing meaningful hands-on activities. There are times when seatwork is required and necessary,
but for the most part, our classroom will be an active learning environment.
Homework I will send home a monthly calendar of homework beginning in October. All of the homework has a
purpose and is related to what we are working on in class.  It is simply a quick review of the concepts we are learning. 
It should never take more than 10-15 minutes. I assign homework Monday-Thursday.  Although Kindergarten seems
early to start having homework assignments, it is a good habit that when started early, and supported by you, will
last throughout your child’s academic career.  I send homework not only for review, but also as a way for
you to see what your child can do and to help you to know what we are learning.
I
Illness The question of when to keep your child home from school is often a difficult one, especially when
decisions must be made first thing in the morning.  It is important, however, to keep your child home if he/she is ill.
This helps to make them more comfortable and prevents others from becoming ill.  Children function more
effectively in the classroom when they are healthy. 
Immunizations-All students must be immunized against certain diseases or must present a statement that the
student should not be immunized.  Proof of immunizations must be presented to the school within 30 days of enrollment. 
Independent Reading Because children learn to read by reading, they need plenty of opportunities to read
independently.  Sufficient time and appropriate materials are necessary to develop and strengthen reading abilities. 
By giving the children time to read both at school and at home, we can work together to provide a literature-rich
environment and a life-long love of reading.
J
Journals One strategy that will be used to help convey the vital concept that “print conveys meaning” is the frequent
use of journal writing.  In these journals the kindergartners combine their emerging writing skills with their
drawing skills.  As the children are exposed to a variety of phonics and reading experiences, journal entries
will move from drawings and “inventive” spellings towards more conventional writing.
K
Kindergarten Kids-Kindergarten is a special time for your child.  I want to make this year a wonderful experience
for you and your child.  “Kids come first!”
Kindness Students in our classroom are encouraged and expected to treat all members of our class as well as
others with kindness and respect. Hitting, fighting, name-calling, and making fun of others will not be permitted.
L
Library-Your child will go to the library once a week. Your child will receive a library card to check out books.
Literacy Centers During literacy centers, children practice reading and writing skills while the teacher works
with small guided reading groups.  The center activities are designed to strengthen letter/sound knowledge,
listening skills, oral language expression, rhyme, letter formation, cooperation, etc.
Lost & Found We have a Lost and Found in the lunchroom. We encourage children to check the lost and found
collection for any missing items. We ask that you label clothing items worn to school by your child. This will help us
return a lost article to its owner.
Lunch  Children may either purchase their lunch or bring it from home. A monthly lunch menu will be sent home with
each day’s meal choices for you to discuss with your child. At the beginning of the month, please circle the choices
for your child and return it to us. We record the child’s choices on a monthly form.
M
Math The kindergarten mathematics curriculum provides students with mathematical experiences that help them
develop number sense and a positive attitude towards mathematics that will continue through their school career
and their lives.  We use the Houghton-Mifflin Math series, which utilizes a hands-on, problem solving approach.
We will also be using math journals in which the children will draw pictures to go along with the math sentences.
Music Our music teacher will be teaching the children the basics of music education and many wonderful songs! 
We also sing everyday in our classroom!
N
Newsletter I will be sending home a monthly newsletter to keep you informed of the happenings in our classroom.
This is a great way to stay abreast of our curriculum, classroom news, special activities and upcoming events.
Notes  Notes are required for the following reasons: Absences/illness, early dismissal for doctor appointments,
different person picking student up from school
~Look for notes from the office and from me in the front of the BEAR notebooks. 
Nurse We are very fortunate to have a wonderful nurse, Linda Robinson, at Hagood Elementary. Please be sure to
send in any change of contact numbers in case the nurse needs to get in touch with you.  Your child may not
bring medicines to school.  If your child needs to take medicine during the day, please bring the medicine to
school when you drop off your child.
O
Outside Time The children will be going out for a 20 minute recess every day. 
Please keep this in mind when helping your child to select clothing for the day.
Open Lines of Communication Please let me know if you have ANY concerns or questions regarding your child
throughout the year.  I feel that it is our job to work together as partners to help your child have a successful
first year.  I can be reached at 397-1916. 
P
Parent Involvement Your support of school activities makes your child feel important and sends the message that
you value school!  I will be sending home a form for times when parents will be needed to help weekly in the classroom.
Please find a time convenient for you and volunteer!   There will also be a variety of special classroom activities
and celebrations throughout the school year.   I hope that you can come and join in the fun!
Parties and Celebrations We will have class parties at Christmas and Valentine's Day. The room parents usually
organize these events and coordinate volunteers and donations.  All are welcome to participate in the festivities!
P.E. Our physical education teacher is Mrs. Barbara Procopio Allen and she meets with the children twice a week
promoting a healthy lifestyle. Our school district participates in Zest Quest,  a program to create an  environment that inspires children to lead physically, emotionally, and intellectually healthier lives. Each week your child will have
a lesson from our Zest Quest coach and have a weekly form to fill out. Student's points are accumulated through the
year and rewards are given to those who participate.
Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence-Each morning we will recite the pledge of allegiance to the
United States and South Carolina flags and observe a moment of silence.
Q
Questions-Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s education.  I will make every
effort to meet with you and discuss your concerns.
R
Report Cards Kindergarten Report cards are issued three times a year, in January, March, and May.  These reports
reflect the progress your child has made toward various kindergarten objectives and uses a grading system that
reflects the developmental nature of kindergarten learning.
Restrooms The children are encouraged to go to the bathroom as soon as they come into school in the morning,
before lunch, and again after lunch recess. At all other times they are free to go to the bathroom as the need arises.
Rules We discuss our rules together during the first week of school. 
 Here is a general list of rules. 
1. We keep our hands and feet to ourselves.
2. We use nice words to everyone.
3. We listen when someone is talking.
4. We play and share with our friends.
5. We are careful with classroom materials.
6.  We keep our room clean.
Please review these rules with your child a few times during the first few weeks of school and discuss with
them how to respect themselves and others at school.
S
Safety-Your child’s safety is top priority.  I take every precaution when your child is in my care.  Please send a
note with your child or call the school if he/she is to go home a different way. If no written note is received, your child
will be sent home by his/her usual method of transportation.
Science The focus of the kindergarten science curriculum is on developing an awareness of the world in which
we live. Through scientific inquiry, concepts will be presented in the life and earth sciences, including the
study of animals and plants, the five senses and general health, and the four seasons. These areas will be explored
utilizing a literacy based, hands-on approach.
Shared Reading Shared reading is an interactive process used with the whole class. As the teacher reads a story,
children join in on phrases or words that they know. During subsequent re-readings, children read more and more
of the text, until they are able to read the story independently. Shared reading is an opportunity for the
teacher to model conventions of print and the use of reading strategies.
Social Studies The kindergarten social studies curriculum focuses on the students and how they relate to others
in their families, classroom, school, and community.  Activities will help the children focus their natural curiosity
for the world around them.
T
Transportation If you plan to pick up a child that normally rides the bus or you wish for your child to ride a
different bus than usual, you must send a written note. Do not rely on your child to tell us this information, because
children often become confused and relay information incorrectly. If no written note is received, your child
will be sent home by his/her usual method of transportation.
U
Unique Kindergartners learn that they are special and unique. Kindergartners have opportunities to describe how
they are alike as well as different from others. They share their culture and learn about different cultures within
the class. Each child in our class is unique and wonderful.  In kindergarten we learn about how we are unique and special,
and we celebrate our differences and similarities. 
V
Visitors Hagood Elementary has a policy that ALL GUESTS (including familiar faces) are required to sign in at the
office and wear a guest sticker. Hagood Elementary welcomes and encourages family involvement and the presence
of a guest sticker will help identify visitors to all faculty and staff.   It is important to remember that while this
may seem inconvenient to frequent visitors, it is the goal and responsibility of the school to create a
safe learning environment.
 Hagood Elementary has a new website which can be accessed at
http://hes.pickens.k12.sc.us
Check in regularly to find information about curriculum, special events and school news. 
W
Writing Our writing program builds on what each child already knows. Writing begins with scribbles and proceeds
to lines and circles, random strings of letters, words and spaces and eventually sentences. Your children will be
encouraged and praised for all attempts and accomplishments in writing. Providing a risk-free environment is
paramount to your child's progress in writing.  If possible, please provide your child with writing tools, such as pencils, crayons, markers and paper at home.
X is for Experiences
We will have many wonderful eXperiences this year such as, cooking, crafts, science experiments, making class books,
and playing many learning games.  They will all be fun and eXciting!
Y is for You
You can help to make your child feel successful this year by doing some of the following:  Reading to your child is
the single most important thing you can do.  It encourages them to become good readers.  Another important way to
help your child is to discuss the school day with them.  Ask questions like, “What did you learn today?”, “What did you
work the hardest on?”, or “What are you getting better at?”.  These questions cause children to reflect on their
 learning which in turn helps them remember new information.  Ask your child about centers, music, P.E., reading,
or math work.  It is also very important that you work with your child on the homework that is assigned each week.  
Encourage your child to ask questions about school.  Informed children are confident children.  Talk positively
about school.  The way your child perceives your feelings about his/her school and teachers will have a direct
effect on how he/she feels about them. Show an enthusiasm for learning, it is contagious!
Z
Zest Quest A Zest Quest coach visits our classroom once a week to teach the children about
healthy lifestyles. In your child’s BEAR book, there will be a ZQ log for you to check off each day when your
child completes the activity. On Fridays, I turn in the logs and she will give me a new one for the following week.
You may want to keep the log in the BEAR book so it won’t get misplaced. She keeps a record of your child’s points
and they will be given prizes periodically for their accomplishments.
Z is for ZZZ’s
At the beginning of the year, we have a quiet rest and read time each day for 20 minutes after lunch.  It is a nice
relaxing break from our hectic day! Your child may bring a beach or bath towel to use at rest time. It is so
important to also make sure that you child is getting a good night's sleep at night.  Establish a bedtime routine that
 allows your child to get 10-12 hours of sleep each night.  They will function more productively in class with a
good night’s sleep.



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I am looking forward to working with your child this year! Please refer to this page when needed.
If you have any questions or comments, please email me by clicking on the sign.




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